Consent advocate Chanel Contos is leading a new campaign to push for social media companies to give Australians the choice to ‘opt in’ to the algorithms driving the infinite scroll. Following her speech at the National Press Club this week, she speaks with political editor Tom McIlroy about why this solution addresses the structural forces influencing misogynistic behaviour, particularly in young men.
Key concerns and proposed solutions
They also discuss harmful misunderstandings about sexual choking, and whether or not a ban on the import of smartglasses would effectively manage pernicious behaviour by some users. The campaign comes amid broader debates about online safety and regulation.
Related reporting and context
Related coverage includes reports on choking being sold to teens as a safe sexual practice, with research indicating it never is. Another piece features Hannah Ferguson, who was once ashamed to admit she had been strangled nonconsensually during sex, and now speaks up to save women’s lives.
Australia could make social media algorithms optional and follow the UK ban on pornography depicting strangulation. Additionally, Australia’s online safety regulator says smartglasses should automatically blur people’s faces while filming.
